News Release

Wednesday, September 1, 2004

Street Racer Dies; Co-Racer Arrested

Los Angeles- On September 1, 2004, at 12:00 a.m. a 1992 Black Acura Legend was engaged in a "street race" with another vehicle, a 1997 black Nissan Sentra, eastbound Victory Boulevard between Winnetka Avenue and Corbin Avenue.

The Acura lost control and partially ran off the road colliding with a tree and two parked vehicles. Both parked vehicles caught on fire as a result of the impact. The driver of the Nissan turned around and called 911.

A witness indicated that both vehicles had accelerated rapidly to a speed estimated to be 70 MPH. The witness continued driving and came upon the collision and vehicles on fire.

Los Angeles Police Department officers arrived and effected the rescue of the trapped driver from the Acura to get him away from the flames. Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics transported the driver to a local hospital, but he died a short time later. He has been identified as 18 year-old Aram Aleksanyan, a resident of Van Nuys.

The driver of the Nissan has been identified as 24 year-old Louis Rodgers, a resident of Reseda. He was arrested and booked for Vehicular Manslaughter and is being held on a $100,000.00 bail.

The Los Angeles Police Department is asking the public’s assistance for any witnesses that were driving on Victory in the area of the collision to call Valley Traffic Detectives, at 818-756-8391 or during off-hours Valley Traffic Watch Commander, at 818-756-8381.

Los Angeles Police Officers involved in the rescue of the deceased are patrol officers assigned to West Valley Area. The officers are Alonso Menchaca, Brian Horris, Greg De La Rosa, Quincy Walunga and Jason Goode.